Former USAF SF. thinking about dispatching

[Damocles]

Hello everyone! This is my first post on the boards and I have a quick question.

I did 7 years in the Air Force Security Forces where I was a Desk Sergeant basically from my understanding doing what a dispatcher would do. We didn’t have CAD or anything like that for dispatching; in fact the most high-tech thing we had was the E-911 system and NCIC computer.

I was just wondering what my chances would be to be hired as a dispatcher with my background. I am currently going to college as a CJ major and eventually want to get on the streets as patrol. Would any of this help me?

Thanks for any information!
:confused:

[MrJim911]

Your background in the military probably won't account for much (when looking for a dispatch job) but the fact you have used a E-911 system and NCIC will help in your job search. Not knowing your responsibilities as a desk Sgt I can't say if they are the same as what we do. My guess would be it would be a big change because chances are you would get hired by an agency that uses a CAD system. Not to mention there are numerous other things that go along with dispatch, it's not just answering phone calls. My advice would be to do a sit-a-long with a busy PSAP and make sure you can do the job. It sounds like your on the right track to becoming a police officer in which case your military background and degree in CJ will be a tremendous help. May I ask why you want to dispatch prior to getting into patrol if that is your ultimate goal?

Secondly, welcome to the Board! :)

[Damocles]

As a Desk Sgt we are the mail focal point for all radio traffic for the LE and security side of the base. All calls come through the desk and then out to the patrols on the road. If there are questions from the patrols they would call the desk and we would guide them in the right direction, FYI in the Air Force there are some very low ranking people on the road with little to NO experience.

Also Desk Sgts would do all the plotting for emergencies like bomb threats and HAZMAT spills; where the Entry Control Point would be and where we would need patrols to keep people out of the area are just examples. We also answer all 911 calls for the base, notify the FD and AMR for responses if necessary and run information on NCIC for the patrols. All this happens while we are typing a log (Blotters) of all patrol responses and normal day-to-day activities.

Right now I am just really looking for PT work but I am also not sure if dispatchers can work PT. I go to school 4 nights a week and am available Friday and Saturday nights.

Thanks again for your help!!
:D

[Noodle]

Damocles
Hello. What you did in the Air Force sounds a lot like what I do as a dispatcher now. I am not at a large city or large department. I work for a University that has somewhere around 55 officers. We do not have CAD, we have to use punch cards for everything and type a log of all the reports. I know that it is really hard on dispatchers wages to pay for school, and working full time while going to school is hard as well (trust me I just finished,took the 5 yr program) If you can, try getting on with a University. That way your school is free, you get class preferance, and it does not matter how long you take to graduate. Another bonus is the fact that by the time you graduate, or even before, you will know of job openings at your and neighboring departments, and if you are lucky get some type of preferance placement and get your degree later. just my $.02.

[MrJim911]

Damocles, After reading that what you've done in the AF, it would be very beneficial in a dispatch job search. As far as the part time thing it just depends on the department. Mine, for example, does not hire part time, we are all full time. But many do hire part time. Keep us updated on your job search!!

[Lupey]

WELCOME

Sounds like you have a good shot at getting a dispatch job after you start applying.

I can only speak for my dept. We do not hire part time dispatchers. We do have a few that use to work here full time but have stayed on as per diem. They will be called only when a spot can't be filled and they are about to order someone in to work it.

Being a veteran does help a little at my dept. Seems if you have a two people that are neck in neck in the hiring, they will lean towards the one with the military background.

Good luck!

[Damocles]

Thanks for all the information. I am going to keep and eye and ear out for jobs here. I may have time Friday to stop at the station here in town and see what they have to think there.

I will let you all know if I find anything out!

Dam :p